Pakistan, China can work together to create peaceful, harmonious world: Zardari

ISLAMABAD:President Asif Ali Zardari said Pakistan and China through their deep and abiding friendship can make a significant contribution towards creating a better future for the region and work towards creating a peaceful and harmonious world.In his message of felicitation to Chinese President Hu Jintao on Chinese New Year, he said, “On behalf of the people of Pakistan and on my own behalf, it gives me great pleasure to extend warmest felicitations to Your Excellency and the government and people of China on the advent of Chinese Lunar Year and Spring Festival.”He said China’s civilizational renaissance is a defining theme of the 21st century.Chinese phenomenal ascent over the last six decades bears testimony to the wisdom of its leaders and genius of its people, he said adding, “for us in Pakistan, China’s success story has come to serve as a source of inspiration and confidence.”“We believe that China is a factor of hope for the people of the world. It’s unparalleled development has brought, in its wake, peace, prosperity and harmony in its immediate neighbourhood and beyond.”The President said China is Pakistan’s closest friend and time tested partner. Rooted in the vision of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the brotherly ties between our two countries have, over the years, flowered into a comprehensive strategic partnership based on mutually beneficial cooperation.“Our close and friendly relations with China have been and will remain the cornerstone of our foreign policy,” he said adding, “the recent visit of Premier Wen Jiabao to Pakistan was the testimony of our unique relationship.”He said Pakistan has declared 2011 as Year of Pak- China Friendship, which also coincides with the 60th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.“Our two countries have already agreed on a comprehensive action plan to celebrate the Friendship Year which, inter alia, includes visit of Your Excellency to Pakistan,” he noted.He conveyed best wishes for the Chinese President’s good health and happiness and continued progress and prosperity of the friendly people of China – APP